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U.S EDA Invests $1 Million for Transportation Improvements that will Enhance Industry Growth in West Central Arkansas

August 9, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Dr. Rebecca Blank today announced a $1 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to Southwest Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority of Arkadelphia, Ark., to help build a rail spur that will improve transportation for local industries that do business in the Clark County Industrial Park.

"Improving regional infrastructure in support of business and job growth is critical to our ability to create jobs and remain competitive," Blank said. "This EDA grant will strengthen the competitiveness of local industry clusters and foster business development by helping to establish a transportation-friendly industrial park to serve the West Central Arkansas community."

The new rail spur will serve regional industries located within sixty miles of the industrial park's proposed intermodal facility. The project is a collaboration among the Southwest Regional Intermodal Authority - which consists of Clark, Montgomery, Pike, Nevada and Dallas Counties - the Clark County Industrial Park Council, and the Economic Development Corporation of Clark County.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration:

The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.